What Goes into the Expenses of a Standard Funeral?

By: Louis Bruno

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Planning a funeral can be a stressful and confusing time. Not only are you dealing with the grieving process but also you are now responsible, both physically and financially, for the funeral service. It can be an overwhelming time where it seems like additional fees keep appearing, therefore in this article we will take a look at many of the expenses that are associated with a standard funeral service.

One mistake that many people make when it comes to planning the funeral service, is assuming that life insurance covers all the services. Unfortunately, in many cases, life insurance only covers a small portion of the funeral. Once you get into the planning stage of the service and have selected the right funeral home, ask to see their General Price List (GPL) as this will help you visualize and understand any of the added costs that you would not have thought of. For many, the initial quote that they receive from the funeral home is astronomical to what they thought they would be paying. Here is a list of some of the things that you would be paying for:

Service Fees

The service fee is like any basic service fee that you would get from any company. It is most commonly a flat rate. In many cases the service fee incorporates the storage of the body, coordinating the service with third parties such as the cemetery or crematorium, and obtain and filling out any necessary paper work.

Goods and Services

Other costs associated with a standard funeral include the following:

• Cosmetic preparations such as embalming

• Use of funeral home space

• Transportation of the remains

• Casket or Urn

The Burial Plot

In many cases, the burial plot is purchased while the person is still alive. However, if the plot is not already selected it can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, based on the size and location of the plot. However, the majority of the time that includes all the fees for the burial, and also later on for the maintenance of the plot.

Miscellaneous Fees

Here is a list of fees that people often forget when it comes to the service:

Officiant or Priest

Floral arrangements

Food and drinks

Transportation

Obituary

The majority of funeral homes offer basic packages to help you cut down on expenses and maximize the service. If you have any further questions, please free free to contact us at Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.